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"We are expanding the successful Jumpstart Germantown loan program citywide," said Ken Weinstein, founder of Jumpstart Germantown, a four-week program that trains, mentors, networks and loans money to aspiring real estate developers.
He started the organization 4 1/2 years ago. Using some of his own cash, the program has lent $15 million to 150 program graduates for a variety of projects.
Weinstein said 80 percent of those who come out of the program are women or people of color.
"We're trying to level the playing field to make sure that everyone has the training and funding they need," he said.
She says availability of lower interest loans means low cash graduates of the program can now compete in the growing market.
"The need is just overwhelming," she said, noting they have had 77 people graduate from their program and recently received 12 applications, "so we are incredibly excited that TRF has stepped up to the challenge."
"The loan program fundamentally changed my life and set me on a trajectory not only for financial freedom but being able to establish generational wealth," said Josh Jones, who graduated from Jumpstart Germantown four years ago.
He's received loans for five projects, and counting.
"Right now I have multiple projects going on at the same time right now," he said, noting that he is now a full time real estate investor.
According to Jumpstart, the average loan has been roughly $111,000, and 99 percent of recipients are from the Philadelphia region and 79 percent are from the city.
So far, the seven programs have graduated an estimated 900 people. Each program has different requirements, some may require residency.